The Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-7) take on the Purdue Boilermakers (31-4) in the Sweet 16 Friday night. Each team had very impressive wins in rounds 1 and 2, winning each game by over 20 points. These teams played back in November, where Purdue won 73-63.
Will the Bulldogs, or the Boilermakers advance to the Elite 8 on Sunday?
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue Boilermakers Betting Odds
|
Team |
Spread |
Total |
MoneyLine |
|
Gonzaga Bulldogs |
+5.5 -112 |
O 154.5 -110 |
+195 |
|
Purdue Boilermakers |
-5.5 -108 |
U 154.5 -110 |
-238 |
|
**Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** |
|||
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue Boilermakers Game Details
- Fixture: Gonzaga Bulldogs vs Purdue Boilermakers
- Date and Time: March 29, 2024 @ 7:39 pm EST
- Location: Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Gonzaga |
Vs. |
Purdue |
|
27-7 |
Record |
31-4 |
|
85 |
Points Per Game |
83.9 |
|
51.9% |
FG% |
49% |
|
36.2 |
3PT% |
40.0% |
|
39.1 |
Rebounds Per Game |
40.8 |
|
68.8 |
Points Allowed Per Game |
69.5 |
|
40.2% |
Defensive FG% |
41.5% |
|
33.3% |
Defensive 3PT% |
31.4% |
|
71.9% |
Defensive FT% |
72.5% |
|
21.1 |
Defensive Rebounds Against |
20.3 |
|
4-1 |
Last 5 W-L |
4-1 |
|
69.5 |
Team Pace |
68.8 |
Key Stats
Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga is back in the Sweet 16 for the ninth straight year. Year in and year out the Bulldogs hit their stride right as March rolls around. Furthermore, the same can be said for this Gonzaga squad as they have won 12 of their last 13 games. The Zags are a very deep team and have four players averaging over 12 points per game Graham Ike (16.4 PPG), Anton Watson 14.5 PPG), Nolan Hickman (13.9 PPG), and Ryan Nembhard (12.6 PPG). Gonzaga is coming off a dominating 2nd round win over Kansas. They look to do the same against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue somewhat washed away the demons of last year’s first-round loss to 16-seeded FDU, after big wins over Grambling State and Utah State in the first and second rounds this past weekend. They are led by defending national player of the year, Center Zach Edey. Edey has been carrying the Boilermakers all year, averaging 24.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. Purdue has become the king of the regular season but that has not translated to NCAA tournament success in previous years. The Purdue Boilermakers hope to change that narrative this year.
Game Prediction
If you are a Purdue hater, this game may be an extra frustrating watch for you. Not in the sense that Gonzaga has no chance to win, they do. However, in this game, you will see more fouls on Bulldogs guarding Zach Edey than ever before. Add in the fact that the player primarily guarding Edey will be Graham Ike, who has problems staying out of foul trouble.
On the flip side, I believe the Gonzaga Bulldogs will be able to have success offensively, especially with all of their talent on the wing. Buckle up for a lot of points, especially free throws. Give me the over in this Purdue Boilermakers vs Gonzaga matchup.
Purdue Boilermakers vs Gonzaga Bulldogs Final Pick
Over 154
About the Author
Cory is an Oregon Duck alumni and has been following college basketball closely for years. He has attended over 30 games across the country this season alone. Follow Cory on X @cory_pappas1 for more game previews and stories. It’s March!
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